Williams checks in
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Peoria (Ill.) Manual guard Da'Monte Williams saw his stock rose this summer and now more offers are starting to come in.
Following the summer, the 6-foot-2 Williams made one of the highest debuts in the Rivals150, checking in at No. 56 in the nation in the class of 2017. .
"I've noticed a lot of improvement in my game," Williams said. "It's because a lot of the hard work my coaches and me put in on the hardwood."
His play in the summer earned Williams the rise in the rankings and an recent offer from Big Ten foe Indiana. The Hoosiers joined Illinois, Bradley, UIC, and Illinois State.
Williams recently visited the Fighting Illini, the place where his father roamed the sidelines and was arguably one of the best guards in Illinois history.
"I had a lot of fun," Williams said. "I liked the campus and they have a nice coaching staff and players."
The focus turns away from recruiting and back to the court, as Williams and his Manual Rams gear up for the 2015-16 season.
With more confidence gained from his play this summer, Williams wants to take on more of a leadership role as junior this season. He also wants to take control from the point guard position and push the tempo.
"I will be more vocal with my teammates and running more," Williams said. "Last year, I slowed the game down at times when I shouldn't have and allowed the defense to setup instead of pushing it down their throat and scoring."
Manual, a traditional central Illinois power, posted a 23-7 record last season. They made a post season run, but fell to Rockford Lutheran 49-41 in the NIU super sectional.
On the recruiting trail, Williams is taking his time and feeling out the process. Williams said a chance to play with a talented roster around him and his relationship with the coaching staff will both play roles in his final college decision.
"The coaching will play a major part because I want coaches who care about life itself first, then sports," he said.